On Thursday, September 25,  Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Maralal directed security team to destroy sandalwood valued at approximately Ksh7.8 million.

The sandalwood consignment weighing 7.8 tonnes, was captured and brought in the hands of authority on September 21, 2025 at Ntunyu village in Samburu county after a thorough operation by security agencies.

However, during this operation police officers were able to arrest two suspects allegedly being masterminds behind this operation.

Suspects identified as, Francis Maina Waweru and Francis Kinuthia Karanja who have pleaded not to be guilty will remain in custody of Maralal GK prison as police continues with investigation.

“The two suspects, Francis Maina Waweru and Francis Kinuthia Karanja, who have pleaded not guilty, remain in custody at Maralal GK Prison awaiting further court proceedings,” said DCI.

Where Destruction Occurred According to Court Order

Maralal Law Courts issued orders and instructions on where the destruction process will occur and who will be in charge of this operation.

The destruction exercise happened at the Maralal police station yard under the strict supervision of Senior Principal Magistrate Sitati Temba.

In attendance, their were other top official members from both national and county security agencies.

This included members of the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC), along with officers from the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

Authorities reiterated their commitment in working closely with local communities to combat illegal logging and wildlife crimes and safeguard the environment.

DCI headquarters in Nairobi. PHOTO/DCI.